Seven Years in Tibet (2007, Blu-ray Disc)

Jean-Jacques Annaud's ``Seven Years in Tibet'' combines two interesting stories - the first the story of an Austrian who finds himself a stranger in the most isolated country in the world and the second, the coming of age story of the intelligent young boy who will someday rule that land. We get to see the two stories come together, though the main focus is on the Austrian and it is from his point of view that the story is told. The opening scenes tell us all that we need to know about the Austrian, Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) to judge his personality. He is obsessed by mountain climbing to...

This movie, which features some of the most beautiful scenic photography I have ever seen, is a dud from the standpoint of dialogue, plot, and alas, even some of the performances. Understanding that it is a movie based on the book written by the protagonist may help you forgive the unimaginative plot and the humorless character who is portrayed. The story, supposedly a true one, does pose some interesting questions. The implication is that Heinrich Harrer was changed by his years spent in Tibet in association with Tibet's spiritual leader, a young boy, destined to be the Dalai Lama. I have...

One of the year s best films - Jim Svejda, KNX CBS Radio A passionate, courageous, and chilling journey. Brad Pitt delivers a magnificent performance. - Bill Diehl, ABC Radio Network Through breathtaking scenery, first-class performances, and cultural traditions, Seven Years in Tibet shows that there is more meaning in life than some of us think. Synopsis This is a true story of an Austrian prisoner of war who goes through a great alteration while spending seven years in the beautiful land of Tibet. Brad Pitt begins this courageous tale as a high profile, jerk-of-a-husband named Henrich...

To be nearly the best film of 1997 is going a ways; some readers will recall that I gave "Titanic," which was also released that year, five stars (and I didn't even think it was the best movie). It is in fact quite rare to find a Hollywood movie whose main character (Heinrich Harrer, played by Brad Pitt) goes from being a self-absorbed prig to one of the most thoughtful and courageous companions of a major spiritual leader. He doesn't even have to kill anybody in the process. Although Harrer almost gets killed on several occasions, each is for better reasons than he could have expected to get.